Rashawn Slater NFL Draft Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 315 pounds
College: Northwestern
Rashawn Slater 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Sometimes when writing up these draft profiles, you come across a player just so dominant and physically imposing that it stands out on tape. That’s the case with Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater. The 6’4”, 315 pound Slater began his football journey at Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, where he shined in individual battles versus opposing defenders. However, his effort and talent never showed in the team’s win column, as the school struggled during Slater’s time there. Unfortunately, this lackluster play by his high school football team cost Slater in the recruiting process, as many top scouts overlooked the dominant offensive lineman. Finally, after a late offer from Rice, Slater ultimately elected to attend Northwestern.
During his first season with the team, Slater started 12 games, helping the Cowboys’ offense average nearly 30 points per game. In 2018, Slater started all 14 games at right tackle, helping Northwestern to a Big Ten West Championship. Heading into his junior season, Northwestern’s coaches approached Slater with a proposition. They wanted to move him to the left tackle spot. Slater quickly agreed and shined in his new position. The dominant Slater allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and only five quarterback hurries. Perhaps his strongest showing of the season came against Ohio State, when he dominated star pass rusher Chase Young. Citing the Big Ten’s decision to suspend their fall season due to COVID-19 as a chief determining factor, Slater decided to opt out of his senior season at Northwestern and begin preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
- Good size, should translate well into the NFL;
- Shines as a run-blocker;
- Hip movement and overall mobility are impressive;
- Plays with good overall leverage and body control;
- Impressive explosive ability;
- Technically sound;
- Great versatility, has the ability to play up and down the offensive line;
- Displays exceptional football intelligence;
- Has great hands and grip strength, can latch onto defenders and control them through the block.
Weaknesses:
- Height and arm length leave a bit to be desired;
- Limited ability to showcase his skills to scouts as a senior.
Pro Comparison: Joe Thomas
Teams With Need At The Position: Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers.
Draft Projection: Top-10 pick
Bottom Line on Rashawn Slater
If your an NFL franchise looking for help on the offensive line with a pick located in the top ten, Slater should be atop your draft boards. Behind Oregon’s Penei Sewell, Slater has emerged as the second-best offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft. His great technique, coupled with his impressive hands and mobility makes Slater one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft. If placed into the right situation, Slater could come in and start on nearly any offensive line in the NFL. Teams like the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals should be keying in on Slater as we move closer to the draft. If Slater can clean up the rougher parts of his game and stay healthy, he has the potential to be a dominant tackle or guard at the next level.
Main photo:
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